Travel with Rick Steves

In this discussion, Danielle Ferenot, a Loire Valley tour guide, shares insights on the stunning châteaux and charming vineyards of the region. Mark Seymour, an expert on ancient stone circles, takes us on a fascinating journey through Brittany’s prehistoric sites, revealing their mysterious connections to Celtic ancestry. They explore culinary delights, local traditions, and the architectural beauty that make these areas unique. The vibrant cultural tapestry of France comes to life through their captivating stories.

We look at how important the poet W. B Yeats is to the Irish, then Agatha Christie’s grandson recommends places in England where you experience the world of her mystery novels. And, just in time for Burns Night, Scottish troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns means to the Scots — and sings some of his favorite Burns tunes. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Explore the highlights of the South Carolina Low Country, home to antebellum architecture, wildlife preserves, and plenty of rice and seafood. Then discover how you can stay high in the Andes with an indigenous family, right on the lake where Incas believe life began. And learn how Latinos in the United States are gaining influence — and what politicians need to understand to earn their vote. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Francis Tapon checks in with Rick at the halfway point of his goal to explore each of Africa's 54 countries. African historian Martin Meredith explains the lasting impact of the continent's colonial legacy. Also, Sasha Martin shares how to introduce your family to the favorite foods of every nation on earth. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear how people in Sweden, Croatia, Wales, and Scotland welcome in the new year, then learn how Spanish wines are making a splash — and get tips for pairing up its major varietals. And listen in as an Australian photojournalist describes how his expeditions in Central Asia led him to new insights on Alexander the Great. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

In Europe, Santa Claus has some rather interesting relatives. Get acquainted with such characters as Baba Noel, Grandfather Frost, Saint Nicholas, Krampus, and even Samichlaus and Schmutzli. Listen in as friends from Madrid, Rome, London, and Lisbon tell us about their cities’ Christmas traditions, then hear how the holidays are celebrated in Bulgaria, the Swiss and Austrian Alps, and in the Low Countries. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Look at the world in a whole new light: Hear about a view that's "out of this world" as astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield describes the photos he took of Mother Earth from 250 miles away, and what they revealed. We also explore how the Roman and pre-historic worlds are within reach when you dig a little beneath the surface in Britain. And listeners share the highlights of their travels in the Holy Land. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Experience vicarious time travel as actress Joanna Lumley describes the memorable connections she made at the iconic sites of ancient Greece, then hear about some of the holiday traditions that get the season underway in the Netherlands and Sweden. Plus we’ll discuss how easy it is to enjoy the grandeur of great churches all over Europe, no matter what your beliefs. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Find out how to make traveling abroad into a favorite family pastime, as two moms share their tips, and enthusiasm, for overseas travel with kids. Then hear how listeners have enjoyed exploring places like Iceland and Austria during the winter months. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Adam Gopnik explains why "The Table Comes First in France," and how taking time to eat with joy and appreciation can make every dinnertime into an occasion at your house. Also, guides from Portugal share the highlights of their country's cuisine, from Atlantic seafood, to the hearty stews enjoyed in the mountains. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.